Mumbai: To address congestion during peak times on Mumbai's local trains, Central Railway (CR) has contacted more than 800 workplaces, suggesting staggered working hours. At present, CR operates 1,810 local train services each day, catering to more than 3.5 million passengers, but there is an absence of alignment in working hours between government and private entities situated between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Thane.
This discrepancy results in significant overcrowding, heightening the chance of accidents, as illustrated by recent statistics showing that between January 1 and May 31, 2025, there were 922 accidental deaths associated with local train usage, including 210 fatalities from falls occurring on overcrowded trains.
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The effort to stagger working hours is expected to alleviate pressure on rail services, particularly from 8-10 AM and 5-7 PM, during which they are most crowded. CR thinks this change would aid in spreading out commuter traffic over the day, improving safety and comfort for travellers.
Kalyan station reported the most deaths from these incidents, with Thane and Kurla stations following. Furthermore, CR has officially sought assistance from the Maharashtra State Government, anticipating it will aid in a synchronized implementation of the staggered schedules.
The CR recognizes an increasing need for additional rail lines; nonetheless, spatial limitations restrict prompt growth. Therefore, staggering office hours is viewed as an effective approach to alleviate the strain on the local train system. By partnering with multiple institutions and receiving government backing, CR seeks to change the commuting experience in Mumbai from chaos to a safer, more efficient process, guaranteeing a smoother travel routine for its residents.
